The European football community is in uproar over what many perceive as clear favoritism by UEFA in handling disciplinary actions against players from different nations. This controversy has reached new heights following the contrasting punishments given to Turkey‘s Merih Demiral and England‘s Jude Bellingham for their respective on-field gestures during Euro 2024.
Jude Bellingham, the 21-year-old midfield prodigy for England and Real Madrid, was given a one-match suspended ban and fined £25,400 (30,000 Euros) for a provocative crotch-grabbing gesture made during England’s tense 2-1 victory over Slovakia. This gesture, made towards the Slovakian bench after his dramatic 95th-minute equalizer, sparked an immediate investigation by UEFA.
Despite the clear violation of conduct, Bellingham’s ban was suspended for a year, allowing him to play in England’s upcoming quarter-final match against Switzerland. UEFA’s decision has been criticized for its leniency, especially given Bellingham’s history of making similar gestures in club matches. The player defended his actions on social media, claiming it was an “inside joke” meant for friends at the game, not an insult directed at Slovakia.
In stark contrast, Merih Demiral, Turkey’s stalwart defender, has been slapped with a two-match ban for his celebratory ‘wolf salute’ after scoring in Turkey’s 2-1 win over Austria. This salute, associated with the far-right extremist group Grey Wolves, which is banned in Austria and France, was deemed a severe breach of conduct by UEFA. Demiral, who plays for Al-Ahli, stated that the gesture was pre-planned and not intended to incite.
UEFA charged Demiral with multiple violations, including using sports events for non-sporting manifestations and bringing football into disrepute. This harsh punishment has sparked outrage in Turkey, with many feeling that Demiral’s political expression was unfairly targeted compared to Bellingham’s obscene gesture.
Turkey’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Osman Askın Bak, took to social media to denounce UEFA’s decision, labeling it “unfair and biased” and “entirely political.” He vowed to challenge the ruling through legal means, accusing UEFA of applying double standards and discriminating against Turkish players.
This incident has reignited debates about the role of politics in sports and the consistency of UEFA’s disciplinary measures. Critics argue that UEFA’s actions reflect favoritism towards players from more prominent footballing nations, undermining the principles of fairness and equality in the sport.
As the quarter-finals approach, all eyes will be on Bellingham and Demiral. England will face Switzerland in Düsseldorf, with Bellingham available for selection despite the controversy. Meanwhile, Turkey will take on the Netherlands in Berlin without their key defender Demiral, a significant blow to their defensive line-up.
These incidents have cast a shadow over Euro 2024, prompting calls for UEFA to reevaluate its disciplinary processes and ensure that all players are held to the same standards, regardless of nationality.
